The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to Hon. Loveth Izekor, Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, GBV is not limited to rural communities, but also affects women and girls in the FCT. Izekor made this statement at a press conference in Abuja, emphasizing the need for victims and witnesses to speak out and seek help.
Izekor highlighted that one of the major challenges in tackling GBV is that many victims do not recognize they are being abused. Societal expectations, stigma, and fear of judgment have discouraged victims from speaking out or seeking assistance. She noted that the normalization of abusive behavior has made it difficult for some victims to identify harmful situations and seek intervention. As a result, AMAC is working to create awareness and provide support services to victims.
A recent case that came to Izekor's attention involved a girl who was trafficked from Benue State to Abuja under the guise of employment and subsequently forced into prostitution. The girl fled from the place seeking help, and AMAC intervened. This case highlights the need for stronger community-level awareness and intervention to protect women and girls from trafficking and other forms of abuse.
AMAC's 12 wards cover a wide range of communities beyond the city centre, making it necessary to take sensitization programs directly to residents at the grassroots. Izekor emphasized that the council has a lot of work to do to educate women and communities about their rights and understand what GBV is. This will enable them to stand united to address such matters.
To address the issue, AMAC has unveiled an emergency intervention helpline to enable residents to report cases, request urgent intervention, and access appropriate security, legal, healthcare, and other support services. Izekor urged women to create safe spaces where victims can seek help without fear, while calling on residents who witness abuse to report such cases.
The campaign will involve traditional rulers, royal mothers, ward and community coordinators, councillors' wives, and women leaders, who will work with the council to take sensitization and orientation programs to communities. Izekor also called on traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote the dignity and protection of women and girls.
Key points
- AMAC urges victims and witnesses of GBV to speak out and seek help.
- The council has unveiled an emergency intervention helpline to report cases and access support services.
- AMAC will take sensitization programs to communities to educate women and residents about GBV and their rights.
